Turkish Traveller Overwhelmed by Thai Kindness After Struggling to Hitchhike to Chiang Mai

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

A Turkish traveller has vowed to share the generosity of the Thai people with the world after spending six hours attempting to hitchhike to Chiang Mai, only to be met with an outpouring of support from locals.

 

The story went viral after a Facebook user, Louis De La Maison, posted about a foreign backpacker attempting to hitch a ride from Phahonyothin Road in Rangsit. The post, which included a photograph of the traveller, read: “I found this adventurous YouTuber from Turkey trying to hitchhike to Chiang Mai. He has been standing here since morning. If anyone is heading north, perhaps they could give him a lift, even if just part of the way.”

 

Many online commentators expressed concerns over the feasibility of hitchhiking in modern Thailand, with some reminiscing that such a journey might have been possible 50 years ago. Others suggested alternative transport options, including finding a ride with vegetable trucks departing from Si Mum Mueang Market or Talaad Thai. Some users noted that they had seen the traveller waiting for hours under the scorching sun.

 

On 22 February, reporters visited the location in question, Phahonyothin Road, opposite Future Park Rangsit in Pathum Thani’s Thanyaburi district.

 

Ronnarong Phetcharoen, 46, who originally shared the post, recounted that he had first spotted the foreigner with a large backpack around 10. The man was making hitchhiking gestures, and by 13:00, he was still in the same spot with no luck. “My colleagues and I started wondering what he was doing there. We realised he was probably in need of help,” Ronnarong said.

 

After seeing the traveller still waiting by mid-afternoon, Ronnarong approached him with a bottle of water. “He told me his name was Deniz, and he was from Turkey. He was trying to get to Chiang Mai but had been unsuccessful in getting a ride.”

 

Despite several more hours passing, Deniz remained in the same spot. Eventually, a well-wisher wrote a sign in Thai stating, ‘Looking for a ride to Chiang Mai,’ in the hope that drivers might respond better to a written request.

 

The story gained further attention when a local news page, ‘Rangsit Community News,’ shared the post online. As a result, several concerned residents began coordinating efforts to assist Deniz. Fearing for his safety in the heat, they sought alternative solutions.

 

Kanokpol Kaewwichit, 34, another good Samaritan, recalled seeing Deniz making hitchhiking gestures for over five hours. “When I found out he was a YouTuber documenting his travels, I decided to print out a sign in Thai to help him.” Kanokpol later posted about the situation, hoping that someone would come forward to offer assistance.

 

Eventually, a group of kind-hearted individuals, including an administrator from the news page known as ‘Rose,’ arranged transport for Deniz. Before his departure, locals treated him to a meal of traditional Thai noodles and gave him a brief tour of the area, including the Rangsit City Shrine.

The bus ticket to Chiang Mai was paid for by Rose, who dismissed concerns about whether Deniz could afford his journey. “No one should judge others based on their financial situation,” she said. “He’s here to learn about Thai culture, and we should extend our hospitality.”

 

Upon safely arriving in Chiang Mai, Deniz took to social media to express his heartfelt appreciation: “Hello everyone, first of all, I want to thank everyone who helped and supported me. I waited for about six hours to hitch a ride, and the people here were so kind to assist me. One man even brought me water, while another wrote my destination on a sign. In the end, someone picked me up, treated me to delicious Thai food, and bought me a bus ticket. I will never forget your kindness.”

 

Deniz, who has travelled to 25 countries, described himself as an adventurer rather than a conventional tourist. “I don’t come to places just for fun or partying. I want to learn about cultures and meet new people. My journey through Asia started in Sri Lanka, followed by India and Nepal. Now, I am discovering the richness of Thai culture.”

 

A content creator, Deniz also runs a YouTube channel documenting his travels. He promised to share his experience of Thai generosity with the world. “Thailand is a beautiful country, and the people are incredibly kind. I will tell everyone about the help I received here.”

 

-- 2025-02-23

 

[Gottfrid]

Yeah, that´s nothing new. Thai people are generally kind and friendly as well as helpful. What is somewhat bothering with this story is a man who seems to have no means to be in Thailand. After a visual search, it stands quite clear he is not a very known youtuber. Maybe time to go home to Turkey.

[garygooner]

Why would you go to another country with little or no funds? Makes no sense to me, but well done to all the people who helped him. 

[steven100]

What's he doing here with no money  ?

A bus ticket is not that expensive  ?

He should have done a GoFunMe to Chiang Mai.

 

oh '     get the tissue ....   i think i'm gonna cry      !

[Tropicalevo]

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

“No one should judge others based on their financial situation,” she said. “He’s here to learn about Thai culture, and we should extend our hospitality.”

 

Very well said kh Deniz. 

[Centigrade32]

46 minutes ago, garygooner said:

Why would you go to another country with little or no funds? Makes no sense to me, but well done to all the people who helped him. 

 

It's a thing. A 'friend' of mine cycled across the U.S.A. without using money. 

Most people go through life without experiencing real human kindness and therefore do not know how to demonstrate it themselves.

[Centigrade32]

43 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

Very well said kh Deniz. 

 

 

But it was "Rose" was wrote it.

[Centigrade32]

44 minutes ago, steven100 said:

What's he doing here with no money  ?

A bus ticket is not that expensive  ?

He should have done a GoFunMe to Chiang Mai.

 

oh '     get the tissue ....   i think i'm gonna cry      !

 

Not surprised that you don't get it.

The love of money is the root of all evil. For some, money is all. Their everything.

[Keeps]

I have to be honest. I wouldn't have stopped and picked him up purely because he looks like Charles Manson and he wasn't a particularly nice chap. I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but that would have been reason enough for me. 

[steven100]

To many crazy killers in the world these days so stopping for strangers is risky business.